Houllier out of hospital

Houllier was taken ill during Liverpool's tie with Leeds

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has been discharged from hospital, health officials have confirmed.

Houllier underwent major heart surgery after Liverpool's game with Leeds at Anfield on 13 October.

The former French national team coach was taken ill at half-time during the match and taken to Broadgreen Hospital, where he later underwent 11 hours of open heart surgery.

It's a remarkable recovery but knowing the man, that doesn't surprise me

Phil Thompson, assistant manager

Tests showed Houllier was suffering from a condition know as dissection of the aorta - a tear to the main artery taking blood away from the heart.

His consultant, cardiac surgeon Abbas Rashid, said Houllier's progress had been nothing less than "remarkable" considering the complexities associated with the procedure.

Houllier was even well enough to watch Liverpool reach the second group stage of the Champions League on television on Tuesday with a 2-0 defeat of Borussia Dortmund.

Houllier's assistant at Anfield, Phil Thompson, has been in charge of the first team in the 54-year-old's absence, during which time Liverpool have been unbeaten.

However, Houllier will not be attending Liverpool's home game with Manchester United on Sunday.

Assistant manager Thompson said: "I like to think that the results we've had since he went into hospital have helped him.

"The news is a massive fillip ahead of the game on Sunday and I'm sure the players will be boosted by the news.

"It's a remarkable recovery but knowing the man, that doesn't surprise me. I know what a tough fighting man he is and that all helps his recuperation.

"I've seen him every day and I've been astonished by the progress he's made. Every day I can see him getting better," added Thompson.